News

Illegal scallop fishing lands skippers hefty fines

Published

10 years ago

March 21, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Accord M90: The vessel upon which the crimes were committed

THREE fisherman appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 21) to face multiple charges, relating to fisheries offences committed in March and April 2014, and November 2013.
42-year-old Lee Wonnacott of Richard John Road in Milford Haven, and Mark Alberry of Gloucester Terrace in Haverfordwest, both pleaded guilty to dredging fishing contrary to restrictions, and contravening an order relating to the regulation of nets and other fishing gear.
Also in the dock was Timothy Bowman-Davies the owner of TBD Fishing Limited, who pleaded guilty to six offences of the same nature.

Prosecuting the case on behalf of the Welsh Government was James Subbiani, who told the court that the charges related to breaches of scallop fishing and prohibition fishing methods.
He said that the fishing vessel that Wonnacott and Alberry were sailing upon, Accord M90, was owned by a local company, TBD Fishing Ltd.
He said: “Between November 22 and 25, 2013, they left Fishguard Port and travelled to Cardigan Bay. They were undertaking fishing activities – a significant part of which was conducted in closed areas under the 2010 order of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967.
“They took a number of tows, then moved to North Lleyn. Here, a number of horse muscles are protected, and all fishing is prohibited: That area was targeted.”
On that occassion, the Accord M90 was skippered by Alberry. Mr Subbiani said that it “seems” to be that he deliberately targeted the prohibited area, due to the greater yield.
My Subbiani explained that analysis has shown that the areas that are closed to fishing have recovered significantly, and provided research to show that the scallops harvested, which were landed at Bangor, Gave a profit of over £3,000.
He said: “The offences came to light when fisheries officers analysed that tracking data. This is done under two systems called VMS Plus and Sucker Fish. The analysis identified this trip.”
The court heard how Alberry declined requests for interview, and difficulties arose relating to the identification of the skipper at the time of the offence.
Mr Subbiani took that moment to thank TBD Fishing Ltd for their compliance, and providing evidence relating to the identification to the skipper so that the prosecution could go ahead. However, due to the company being liable for the action of the skippers, this action landed the company in court in addition tot he skippers in doing so.
Mr Subbiani went on to say that on March 26 and April 4, Wonnacott was the skipper. A research vessel was undertaking work to ascertain information regarding the amount of scallops in Cardigan Bay, and that the outcome was that they found there had been a significant yield.
He said: “On April 4, 2014, support officers saw the vessel actively engaged in fishing activities in an enclosed area, and the Accord M90 was photographed.
“Wonnacott said he fell asleep and the vessel wandered into the enclosed area.”
He continued: “The Welsh Government Fisheries Office undertook further analysis, and found another trip on March 26.
“Cardigan Bay is a place of conservation, and has the highest levels of protection for sea beds, reefs, dolphins and whales. On too many occasions, I come to court as vessels have strayed.”
Mr Subbiani told the magistrates: “I have prosecuted Wonnacott before after he had been fishign in Cardigan Bay. He pleaded guilty to two offenced and was fined £7,000 – it seems he has not learnt his lesson.”
The court also heard how TBD Fishing Ltd have taken steps to ensure that this will not happen again, but no longer engaging in scallop fishing, and not allowing anybody other than the owner, Timothy Bowman-Davies or his son be the Master of a vessel.
Defence solicitor, Mark Layton said: “Timothy Bowman-Davies is the owner of the company, and through this dredging gained just under £10,000. However, the accounts ending May 31, 2014 and May 31, 2015 show a loss.
“There was a slight profit in 2013, but in 2014 suffered a huge loss in excess of £50,000. This attributes to the business venture relating to scallop fishing.
“TBD Fishing Ltd have never appeared before court in the past, and although Bowman-Davies is in the dock, he also appears as a prosecution wistness, in effect, against himself..”
Mr Layton told the court how Bowman-Davies had explained who was on board and how much was made, and he instructed the to go to Milford Haven’s Fisheries Office to make sure they understood the legalities of dredging for shellfish.
Mr Layton said: “He believed they would know where to go, and said that they were experienced fisherman and does not condone illegal fishing. Now, only he and his son are in control of the boats, and they no longer fish for scallops.
“It’s like someone having a company car and going for a frolic – he had no control over the skippers or what they were doing as he was not there.”
After considering the evidence, magistrates fined TBD Fishing Ltd a total of £2,000, and ordered that the company pays £100 victim surcharge and £763.50 costs to the Crown Proscution Service.
Both Lee Wonnacott and Mark Alberry must pay a fine of £1,000 each, and each pay a victim surcharge of £100 and costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £763.50.

News

Wales name squad for Six Nations opener against England

Published

23 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Lake to captain side at Twickenham as Macleod set for tournament debut

WALES national rugby union team have confirmed their starting XV for the opening match of the Six Nations Championship, with captain Dewi Lake leading the side into Saturday’s clash with England national rugby union team at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

Kick-off is at 4:40pm, with live coverage on ITV1 and S4C.

Lake starts at hooker and anchors a front row that includes Nicky Smith at loosehead and Archie Griffin at tighthead, the latter having made his international debut against England during the 2024 campaign.

Dafydd Jenkins partners Adam Beard in the second row, while Josh Macleod earns a first Six Nations start at openside flanker. He is joined in the back row by Alex Mann on the blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8.

Tomos Williams is selected at scrum-half alongside fly-half Dan Edwards.

In midfield, Eddie James makes his second Test start at outside centre, pairing with Ben Thomas. Out wide, Josh Adams and Ellis Mee are named on the wings, with Louis Rees-Zammit returning at fullback for his first Six Nations appearance since 2023.

Bench strength

Wales opt for a six-two split among the replacements.

Tomas Francis is set to make his first international appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Liam Belcher and Rhys Carre providing additional front-row cover.

Harri Deaves, Ben Carter and Taine Plumtree complete the forward options, while Mason Grady and Kieran Hardy offer backline reinforcement.

Tandy: “We want to attack the game”

Head coach Steve Tandy said the occasion and rivalry would bring extra intensity.

“Wales v England is always special given the history between the two nations,” he said.

“We know they’re playing some outstanding rugby and they’re in great form, but representing Wales means everything to this group.

“The squad have trained brilliantly this week. We want to get out there, attack the game and give the best account of ourselves. Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and we can’t wait.”

Speaking about Macleod’s selection, Tandy added: “Josh has had tough luck with injuries, but the way he’s come back — his leadership, his preparation and the intensity he brings — has been excellent. It’s great to see him get this opportunity.”

Community

Community exhibition showcases ateb customers’ creativity at Torch Theatre

Published

39 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW pop-up exhibition celebrating local history, identity and creativity is set to open at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, showcasing artwork created by customers and partners of ateb Housing Association.

The free exhibition brings together a year’s worth of creative work produced through the Wales REACH project, which encourages participants to explore Pembrokeshire’s heritage while building confidence, skills and social connections.

Through workshops, visits and shared activities, residents have developed a varied collection of personal and community-focused pieces reflecting their own experiences and the stories of the county.

Among the featured works is Museum in a Bag, a reflective look at identity and self; REACH for the Landsker Line, which examines Pembrokeshire’s cultural divide through Norman castles and the Welsh language; and REACH Back in Time, a textile sculpture inspired by the history of Milford Haven.

An interactive scroll will also be on display, inviting visitors to add their own memories and reflections, alongside an oral history recorded by an ateb customer and disability rights advocate, offering a powerful first-hand account of life and resilience.

Organisers say the project has had clear benefits beyond the artwork itself.

Rex, an ateb customer who took part, said: “I have enjoyed the planned sessions – being able to get out and about and take part in the activities where possible. I also enjoyed the social aspect, mixing with other residents, sharing our local knowledge of the area and learning new facts.”

Another participant, Joan, added: “It has revived my school-level love of history. I am loving all the given work with interest.”

Project Officer Anne Kerr-Hughes said she had seen noticeable improvements in wellbeing and confidence.

She said: “We’ve noticed so many positive changes – from people trying new things and learning new skills to gaining the confidence to travel independently. One lovely outcome has been more residents using the local bus service after trips to the archives in Haverfordwest. It’s been heart-warming to see.”

The Wales REACH project has been supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with partners including Open University in Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and People’s Collection Wales.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 14, with visitors welcome to drop in during opening hours.

Entry is free and open to all.

Entertainment

Community film season launches at Torch Theatre with audience-picked programme

Published

42 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Grant from Ffilm Cymru Wales helps bring affordable independent cinema to Pembrokeshire

A SEASON of independent films chosen by local audiences is coming to Milford Haven this spring, as the Torch Theatre hosts a special programme designed to celebrate bold storytelling and community cinema.

Running from February through to mid-April, the Community Choices season has been made possible thanks to Wales-wide grant funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales. The scheme supports independent exhibitors to bring diverse and inspiring films to screens across the country.

At the Torch, audiences were invited to take part in programming workshops to help select the titles themselves. The final line-up reflects a mix of Welsh-language work, environmentally themed films and stories that break down social and economic barriers, ensuring something for all tastes.

Chelsey Gillard, the theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “We asked you, the people of Pembrokeshire, what films you wanted to see at the Torch – and we listened. There’s a terrific variety in this season, from family favourites to powerful dramas. We’re very grateful to Ffilm Cymru Wales for the funding that allows us to bring these wonderful films to the big screen, and we look forward to giving everyone a warm Torch welcome.”

The programme opens with Mr Burton on Sunday, February 8 at 4:15pm, followed by Flow on Tuesday, February 17 at 4:45pm. Fantastic Mr Fox screens on February 19 at 4:45pm, with Moonlight closing the month on Friday, February 20 at 6:15pm.

March’s line-up includes Born Free on March 4 at 2:15pm, Earth on March 12 at 11:00am, Sinners on March 15 at 7:00pm, Booksmart on March 22 at 2:00pm, and Gwledd (The Feast) on March 27 at 8:00pm.

The season continues into April with I Swear on April 2 at 2:00pm, One Battle After Another on April 5 at 4:00pm, and This is Spinal Tap on April 12 at 4:00pm, bringing the Community Choices series to a close.

All tickets are priced at £4 and include a free tea or coffee, helping to keep the screenings affordable and accessible for everyone.

For tickets and full details, visit the Torch Theatre website or call the box office on 01646 695267.